JsonObject PHP Extension Reference Documentation

CkJsonObject

Current Version: 11.5.0

Chilkat.JsonObject

Load, navigate, create, modify, search, sort, and emit JSON objects.

Chilkat.JsonObject provides DOM-style access to JSON objects. It can load, inspect, modify, create, search, sort, emit, and save JSON data. It supports path-based access, index-based member access, automatic creation of nested paths, object and array references, Firebase-style updates, record searches, date/time conversion, binary data encoding, variable substitution, and optional secure secret resolution.

Load and emit JSON

Load JSON from strings, files, buffers, or Chilkat objects, then emit the result as compact or pretty-formatted JSON.

Path-based navigation

Read and update nested values using JSON paths, with support for automatically creating missing object or array paths.

Member access

Access object members by name or index, inspect member types, retrieve values, and remove or rename members as needed.

Nested objects and arrays

Work directly with child JsonObject and JsonArray references to navigate and modify complex JSON structures.

Search and transform

Search records, sort object members, perform Firebase-style updates, and prepare JSON for API requests or application storage.

Special value handling

Handle date/time values, binary data encodings, exact numeric text, variable substitution, and secure secret resolution.

Common pattern: Load or create a JsonObject, navigate named members and nested paths, retrieve child arrays as JsonArray objects when ordered lists are encountered, update values as needed, then emit or save the final JSON. Use JsonObject for named JSON members and JsonArray for ordered lists.

For an extended overview, see JsonObject Class Overview.

Object Creation

$obj = new CkJsonObject();

Properties

DebugLogFilePath
string debugLogFilePath();
void put_DebugLogFilePath(string strVal);

If set to a file path, this property logs the LastErrorText of each Chilkat method or property call to the specified file. This logging helps identify the context and history of Chilkat calls leading up to any crash or hang, aiding in debugging.

Enabling the VerboseLogging property provides more detailed information. This property is mainly used for debugging rare instances where a Chilkat method call causes a hang or crash, which should generally not happen.

Possible causes of hangs include:

  • A timeout property set to 0, indicating an infinite timeout.
  • A hang occurring within an event callback in the application code.
  • An internal bug in the Chilkat code causing the hang.

More Information and Examples
Example showing how to use DebugLogFilePath.
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DelimiterChar
string delimiterChar();
void put_DelimiterChar(string strVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Specifies the character used to separate object-member names in Chilkat JSON paths. The default is .. Set it to / for Firebase-style paths. This property should contain exactly one character.

Arrays in paths: Array indexes continue to use square brackets, such as orders[0].id. If a member name itself contains a path-separator character, quote that path component with double quotes.

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EmitCompact
bool get_EmitCompact()
void put_EmitCompact(bool boolVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Controls whether emitted JSON is compact or pretty-printed. The default is true.

trueEmit a compact representation with no extra formatting whitespace.
falseEmit indented, human-readable JSON.
JSON semantics: Formatting whitespace does not change the JSON data. Use compact output for transport/storage and pretty output for diagnostics or human review.

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EmitCrLf
bool get_EmitCrLf()
void put_EmitCrLf(bool boolVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Controls line endings when pretty-printed JSON is emitted (EmitCompact = false). The default is true.

trueUse CRLF line endings.
falseUse LF line endings.
Compact output: This setting has no effect when EmitCompact is true because compact JSON is emitted without formatting line breaks.

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EnableSecrets
bool get_EnableSecrets()
void put_EnableSecrets(bool boolVal);
Introduced in version 11.5.0

Enables automatic resolution of Chilkat secret specification strings for supported string-setting methods. The default is false. When enabled, a value beginning with !! can identify a credential stored in Windows Credential Manager or Apple Keychain instead of embedding the literal secret in application code.

Secret specification format: !![appName|]service[|domain]|username.

This feature applies to AddStringAt, AppendString, SetStringAt, SetStringOf, UpdateSb, and UpdateString.

Security: Secret resolution changes where the string value comes from; the resulting JSON member still contains the resolved value. Avoid emitting or logging JSON that contains credentials unless that exposure is explicitly intended.

More Information and Examples
More Detailed Information About EnableSecrets
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I
int get_I()
void put_I(int intVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Supplies the integer substituted for i when a JSON path contains an array index such as [i]. This is useful for loop-based navigation without constructing a new path string for every iteration.

Related properties: The J and K properties provide the same substitution behavior for [j] and [k].

More Information and Examples
JSON Paths
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J
int get_J()
void put_J(int intVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Supplies the integer substituted for j when a JSON path contains [j]. It is commonly used with nested-array paths such as matrix[i][j].

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K
int get_K()
void put_K(int intVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Supplies the integer substituted for k when a JSON path contains [k]. It can be combined with I and J for deeper nested-array traversal.

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LastErrorHtml
(read-only)
string lastErrorHtml();

Provides HTML-formatted information about the last called method or property. If a method call fails or behaves unexpectedly, check this property for details. Note that information is available regardless of the method call's success.

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LastErrorText
(read-only)
string lastErrorText();

Provides plain text information about the last called method or property. If a method call fails or behaves unexpectedly, check this property for details. Note that information is available regardless of the method call's success.

More Information and Examples
Concept of LastErrorTextLastErrorText Standard Information
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LastErrorXml
(read-only)
string lastErrorXml();

Provides XML-formatted information about the last called method or property. If a method call fails or behaves unexpectedly, check this property for details. Note that information is available regardless of the method call's success.

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LastMethodSuccess
bool get_LastMethodSuccess()
void put_LastMethodSuccess(bool boolVal);

Indicates the success or failure of the most recent method call: true means success, false means failure. This property remains unchanged by property setters or getters. This method is present to address challenges in checking for null or Nothing returns in certain programming languages. Note: This property does not apply to methods that return integer values or to boolean-returning methods where the boolean does not indicate success or failure.

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LowerCaseNames
bool get_LowerCaseNames()
void put_LowerCaseNames(bool boolVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.87

If true, member names are converted to lowercase while JSON is loaded by Load, LoadBd, LoadSb, or LoadFile. The default is false.

Important: This changes member names in the parsed document; it is not merely a case-insensitive lookup mode. Use it only when normalizing names is intentional.

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PathPrefix
string pathPrefix();
void put_PathPrefix(string strVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.76

Specifies a path prefix automatically prepended to JSON paths passed to path-based methods such as StringOf, ObjectOf, UpdateString, SetBoolOf, and SizeOfArray. The default is the empty string.

Use case: Set a prefix when many operations target the same nested object. The individual method calls can then use paths relative to that prefix.

More Information and Examples
JSON PathPrefix Example
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Size
(read-only)
int get_Size()
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the number of direct name/value members in this JSON object. Nested members inside child objects are not included.

JSON objects and order: RFC 8259 defines a JSON object as an unordered collection of name/value pairs. Chilkat preserves a member order so index-based APIs and deterministic emission are possible, but interoperable application logic should generally use member names rather than depend on object order.

More Information and Examples
JSON Iterate Members
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UncommonOptions
string uncommonOptions();
void put_UncommonOptions(string strVal);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.90

Provides a catch-all string for uncommon, implementation-specific options. The default is the empty string and it should normally remain empty.

Recommendation: Do not invent option keywords. Set this property only when a specific JsonObject option is documented by Chilkat or provided by Chilkat support.

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Utf8
bool get_Utf8()
void put_Utf8(bool boolVal);

When set to true, all string arguments and return values are interpreted as UTF-8 strings. When set to false, they are interpreted as ANSI strings.

In Chilkat v11.0.0 and later, the default value is true. Before v11.0.0, it was false.

More Information and Examples
Strings in PHP: Encoding, UTF-8, and Source File Format Considerations
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VerboseLogging
bool get_VerboseLogging()
void put_VerboseLogging(bool boolVal);

If set to true, then the contents of LastErrorText (or LastErrorXml, or LastErrorHtml) may contain more verbose information. The default value is false. Verbose logging should only be used for debugging. The potentially large quantity of logged information may adversely affect peformance.

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Version
(read-only)
string version();

Version of the component/library, such as "10.1.0"

More Information and Examples
How to get the Chilkat version at runtime.
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Methods

AddArrayAt
bool AddArrayAt(int $index, string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON array member named name at the zero-based member position index. The new array is empty.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Create more Complex JSON Document
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AddArrayCopyAt
bool AddArrayCopyAt(int $index, string $name, CkJsonArray $jarr);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.82

Inserts a new JSON array member named name at the zero-based member position index. The array value is copied from jarr; subsequent changes to the source array do not modify the inserted copy.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON AddArrayCopyAt Example
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AddBoolAt
bool AddBoolAt(int $index, string $name, bool $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON boolean member named name at the zero-based member position index. The value is taken from value.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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AddIntAt
bool AddIntAt(int $index, string $name, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON number member named name at the zero-based member position index. The integer value is emitted as a JSON number, not as a quoted string.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Create JSON Document
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AddNullAt
bool AddNullAt(int $index, string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON null member named name at the zero-based member position index.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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AddNumberAt
bool AddNumberAt(int $index, string $name, string $numericStr);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON number member named name at the zero-based member position index. The numericStr argument supplies the exact JSON numeric text to store.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.
Exact numeric text: Use this method when lexical form or precision matters, for example 12345678901234567890, 1.2500, or scientific notation. The supplied text must be valid JSON number syntax; JSON does not permit NaN or infinity.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Create more Complex JSON Document
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AddObjectAt
bool AddObjectAt(int $index, string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON object member named name at the zero-based member position index. The new object is empty.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Create more Complex JSON Document
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AddObjectCopyAt
bool AddObjectCopyAt(int $index, string $name, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.82

Inserts a new JSON object member named name at the zero-based member position index. The object value is copied from jsonObj; the inserted value is independent of the source.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON AddObjectCopyAt Example
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AddStringAt
bool AddStringAt(int $index, string $name, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Inserts a new JSON string member named name at the zero-based member position index. The value is stored as a JSON string and is escaped as needed when emitted.

0Insert as the first member.
-1Append as the last member.
nInsert at zero-based position n.
Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name, not a JSON path. Use an Update* or Set*Of method when addressing a nested value by path.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Create JSON Document
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AppendArray
CkJsonArray AppendArray(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Appends a new JSON array member named name to this object. The newly appended array is empty and the returned JsonArray references that array in this document, so changes made through it modify the same JSON tree.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
JSON AppendArray Example
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AppendArray2
bool AppendArray2(string $name, CkJsonArray $jarr);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Appends a new JSON array member named name to this object. A new empty array is created and jarr is updated to reference it. The method returns true on success.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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AppendArrayCopy
bool AppendArrayCopy(string $name, CkJsonArray $jarr);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.82

Appends a new JSON array member named name to this object. The array is copied from jarr, so the appended array is independent of the source array.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON AppendArrayCopy Example
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AppendBool
bool AppendBool(string $name, bool $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Appends a new JSON boolean member named name to this object. The value is taken from value.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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AppendInt
bool AppendInt(string $name, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Appends a new JSON number member named name to this object. The integer value is stored as a JSON number.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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AppendObject
CkJsonObject AppendObject(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Appends a new JSON object member named name to this object. The newly appended object is empty and the returned JsonObject references that object in this document.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
JSON AppendObject Example
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AppendObject2
bool AppendObject2(string $name, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Appends a new JSON object member named name to this object. A new empty object is created and jsonObj is updated to reference it. The method returns true on success.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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AppendObjectCopy
bool AppendObjectCopy(string $name, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.82

Appends a new JSON object member named name to this object. The object is copied from jsonObj, so the appended object is independent of the source object.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON AppendObjectCopy Example
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AppendString
bool AppendString(string $name, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Appends a new JSON string member named name to this object. The value is JSON-escaped as needed when emitted.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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AppendStringArray
bool AppendStringArray(string $name, CkStringTable $values);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.67

Appends a new JSON array member named name to this object. The array is populated with the strings contained in values.

Member name vs. JSON path: name is a direct member name. It is not interpreted as a JSON path. Use the corresponding Update* method when a nested path should be addressed or created.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Append String Array
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ArrayAt
CkJsonArray ArrayAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the JSON array stored in the member at zero-based position index. The returned JsonArray references the existing array in the same document; it is not a detached copy.

Type requirement: The member at index must be an array. Use TypeAt when the member type is not already known.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
Create more Complex JSON Document
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ArrayAt2
bool ArrayAt2(int $index, CkJsonArray $jarr);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Updates jarr to reference the JSON array stored at zero-based member position index and returns true on success.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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ArrayOf
CkJsonArray ArrayOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the JSON array at jsonPath. The returned JsonArray references the existing array in the same document, so modifications through it are reflected in the parent JSON.

JSON paths: Paths are relative to this object and may include object-member separators and array indexes, for example orders[0].items.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
JSON: Access Array ValuesModify Parts of JSON DocumentJSON Paths
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ArrayOf2
bool ArrayOf2(string $jsonPath, CkJsonArray $jarr);
Introduced in version 11.1.0

Updates jarr to reference the JSON array at jsonPath and returns true on success.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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BoolAt
bool BoolAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the boolean value of the member at zero-based position index.

Indexing: Member indexes are based on the order maintained by this JsonObject instance. JSON objects are semantically unordered, so application protocols should normally identify values by member name rather than by position.
More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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BoolOf
bool BoolOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the boolean value at jsonPath. The path is evaluated relative to this JsonObject, after applying PathPrefix if one is set.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON Paths
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BytesOf
bool BytesOf(string $jsonPath, string $encoding, CkBinData $bd);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.68

Reads the string value at jsonPath, decodes it using encoding (for example, base64 or hex), and appends the resulting bytes to bd.

Binary-in-JSON convention: The JSON member itself is text. The encoding argument tells Chilkat how that text represents the original bytes.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Read/Write JSON with Binary Data such as JPEG Files
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Clear
void Clear();
Introduced in version 9.5.0.76

Removes all members from this JSON object, leaving an empty object equivalent to {}.

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CopyRef
bool CopyRef(CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Updates jsonObj so that it references the same JSON object as the caller. No JSON data is copied.

Shared state: After this call, modifications through either reference affect the same underlying JSON object.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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DateOf
bool DateOf(string $jsonPath, CkDateTime $dateTime);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.73

Parses the date/time value at jsonPath and loads the result into dateTime. Recognized forms include ISO 8601 timestamps (for example, 2009-11-04T19:55:41Z), RFC 822-style date/time strings, and Unix timestamp integers.

JSON has no native date type: Dates in JSON are application conventions, usually represented as strings or numbers. This method recognizes common conventions and converts them to CkDateTime.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Date ParsingParse a Microsoft JSON Date (MS AJAX Date)
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Delete
bool Delete(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Deletes the direct member named name from this JSON object.

Not a path: name is a member name, not a JSON path. Use a path-based operation when deleting or replacing a nested value requires navigation first.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Renaming and Deleting Members
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DeleteAt
bool DeleteAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Deletes the member at zero-based position index. Members after the deleted position shift toward the beginning.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Renaming and Deleting Members
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DeleteRecords
int DeleteRecords(string $arrayPath, string $relpath, string $value, bool $caseSensitive);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.88

Deletes every object record in the array at arrayPath whose value at relative path relpath equals or wildcard-matches value. The caseSensitive argument controls matching. Returns the number of records deleted.

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DtOf
bool DtOf(string $jsonPath, bool $bLocal, CkDtObj $dt);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.73

Parses the date/time value at jsonPath into dt. If bLocal is true, the destination receives local date/time fields; otherwise it receives UTC/GMT fields. Recognized inputs include ISO 8601 timestamps, RFC 822-style date/time strings, and Unix timestamp integers.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Date Parsing
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Emit
bool Emit(CkString outStr);
string emit();
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Serializes the JSON document rooted at this object and returns the JSON text. Formatting is controlled by EmitCompact and, for pretty output, EmitCrLf.

Object member order: Chilkat emits members in its maintained order, but JSON object ordering is not semantically significant under RFC 8259.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Pretty Print JSON (Formatter, Beautifier)
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EmitBd
bool EmitBd(CkBinData $bd);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.77

Serializes this JSON and appends the resulting bytes to bd.

Append behavior: Existing data in the destination BinData is preserved.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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EmitSb
bool EmitSb(CkStringBuilder $sb);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.62

Serializes this JSON and appends the resulting text to sb. Formatting follows EmitCompact and EmitCrLf.

Append behavior: Existing text in the destination StringBuilder is preserved; the emitted JSON is added after it.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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EmitWithSubs
bool EmitWithSubs(CkHashtable $subs, bool $omitEmpty, CkString outStr);
string emitWithSubs(CkHashtable subs, bool omitEmpty);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.67

Serializes the JSON after substituting variables from subs into template strings. A placeholder such as {$name} is replaced by the corresponding hashtable value. Prefixing the variable name with i., as in {$i.count}, emits the substituted value as a JSON integer instead of a quoted string.

If omitEmpty is true, members whose substituted result is an empty string or empty array are omitted from the emitted JSON.

Template reuse: This method does not require rebuilding the JSON template. It is commonly paired with Predefine and LoadPredefined when the same JSON shape is emitted repeatedly with different values.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Using Pre-defined JSON Templates
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FindObjectWithMember
CkJsonObject FindObjectWithMember(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.67

Recursively searches this JSON subtree for the first JSON object containing a direct member named name. Returns that object, or null if no matching object is found.

Returns null on failure

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FindObjectWithMember2
bool FindObjectWithMember2(string $name, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Recursively searches this JSON subtree for the first object containing a direct member named name. On success, jsonObj is updated to reference the matching object and the method returns true.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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FindRecord
CkJsonObject FindRecord(string $arrayPath, string $relPath, string $value, bool $caseSensitive);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.63

Searches the JSON array at arrayPath for the first object whose value at relative path relPath equals or wildcard-matches value. The caseSensitive argument controls string comparison. Returns the matching record object.

Wildcard matching: The search value may contain * to match zero or more characters. relPath is evaluated relative to each record object in the array.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
JSON FindRecord Example
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FindRecord2
bool FindRecord2(string $arrayPath, string $relPath, string $value, bool $caseSensitive, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Searches the JSON array at arrayPath using the same matching rules as FindRecord. On success, jsonObj is updated to reference the first matching record and the method returns true.

Reference semantics: The destination references the record in the original JSON document; changes made through jsonObj modify that record.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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FindRecordString
bool FindRecordString(string $arrayPath, string $relPath, string $value, bool $caseSensitive, string $retRelPath, CkString outStr);
string findRecordString(string arrayPath, string relPath, string value, bool caseSensitive, string retRelPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.63

Searches the JSON array at arrayPath for the first record whose relPath value equals or wildcard-matches value, then returns the value at retRelPath from that same record as a string.

Typical use: This is useful for lookups such as “find the record where Name is Advertising and return its Id.” The * wildcard may be used in value.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON FindRecordString Example
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FirebaseApplyEvent
bool FirebaseApplyEvent(string $name, string $data);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Applies a Firebase Realtime Database event to this JSON object. name should be put or patch, and data should contain event JSON such as {"path":"/","data":{"a":1,"b":2}}.

Purpose: This method is useful when maintaining a local JSON representation from Firebase server-sent events: put replaces the value at a path, while patch updates individual child keys.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Firebase Receive Server-Sent Events (text/event-stream)
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FirebasePatch
bool FirebasePatch(string $jsonPath, string $jsonData);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Applies Firebase-style patch semantics at jsonPath. jsonData must contain a JSON object; each key in that object updates or adds the corresponding key at the target path.

Relative path: jsonPath is relative to this JsonObject.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Firebase JSON Put and Patch
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FirebasePut
bool FirebasePut(string $jsonPath, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Applies Firebase-style put semantics at jsonPath, replacing or inserting the value at that path. value is JSON text and may represent an object, array, number, boolean, null, or a quoted JSON string.

Quoted strings: To store a string through this method, value must contain a valid JSON string literal, including its surrounding double quotes. Use UpdateString when you already have an ordinary application string.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Firebase JSON Put and Patch
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GetDocRoot
CkJsonObject GetDocRoot();
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns a JsonObject reference to the root object of the JSON document containing this object. This can be called from any nested object reference.

Shared document lifetime: Nested JsonObject references share the same underlying JSON document. The document remains available while at least one such reference is retained by the application.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
Get the Root of a JSON Document
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GetDocRoot2
bool GetDocRoot2(CkJsonObject $docRoot);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Updates docRoot to reference the root object of the JSON document containing the caller and returns true on success.

Reference semantics: The destination is another reference into the same underlying document; it is not a copy.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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HasMember
bool HasMember(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Returns true if a value exists at jsonPath; otherwise returns false.

Missing vs. null: A member whose JSON value is null still exists. Use IsNullOf to test specifically for JSON null.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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IndexOf
int IndexOf(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the zero-based position of the direct member named name, or -1 if that member name is not found.

Not a path: name is searched only among the direct members of this object.
More Information and Examples
Get the Index of a JSON Member
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IntAt
int IntAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the integer value of the member at zero-based position index.

Indexing: Member indexes are based on the order maintained by this JsonObject instance. JSON objects are semantically unordered, so application protocols should normally identify values by member name rather than by position.
More Information and Examples
JSON Iterate Members
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IntOf
int IntOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the integer value at jsonPath. The path is evaluated relative to this JsonObject, after applying PathPrefix if one is set.

Large numbers: Use StringOf or the exact numeric-text APIs when a JSON integer may exceed the range of the language binding's integer type.
More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON PathsCheck if Integer Exists at JSON PathDemonstrates how to Handle Large Integers in JSON
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IsNullAt
bool IsNullAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns true if the member at zero-based position index has the JSON value null; otherwise returns false.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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IsNullOf
bool IsNullOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns true if the value at jsonPath is the JSON literal null; otherwise returns false.

Null is a value: JSON null is different from a missing member and from an empty string. Use HasMember when existence must be tested separately.
More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON Paths
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JsonTypeOf
int JsonTypeOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.68

Returns an integer identifying the JSON type of the value at jsonPath. Returns -1 if no member exists at that path.

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Load
bool Load(string $json);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Parses the JSON text in json and loads the parsed data into this object for DOM-style access and modification.

JSON data model: JSON values are strings, numbers, booleans, null, objects, or arrays. Object member names should be unique for interoperable JSON; RFC 8259 notes that consumers differ in how duplicate names are handled.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Load JSON Data at PathLoad a JSON ArrayLoading and Parsing a JSON ArrayUnderstanding JSON Array vs JSON Object
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LoadBd
bool LoadBd(CkBinData $bd);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.77

Parses JSON from the bytes contained in bd and loads it into this object.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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LoadFile
bool LoadFile(string $path);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Reads JSON text from the file at path, parses it, and loads the result into this object.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Load a JSON Array
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LoadPredefined
bool LoadPredefined(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.67

Loads this object from the predefined JSON document identified by name. Predefined documents are created with Predefine.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Using Pre-defined JSON Templates
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LoadSb
bool LoadSb(CkStringBuilder $sb);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.62

Parses JSON from the current contents of sb and loads it into this object.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Download a Specific GMail Message into a Chilkat Email Object
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MakeCopy
bool MakeCopy(CkJsonObject $json);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Copies this JSON object into json. The destination receives an independent JSON copy rather than another reference to the same underlying object.

Copy vs. reference: Use CopyRef when two JsonObject instances should refer to the same JSON object instead of duplicating its data.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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MoveMember
bool MoveMember(int $fromIndex, int $toIndex);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.80

Moves the direct member at zero-based position fromIndex to toIndex. Use toIndex = 0 to move it first or -1 to move it last.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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NameAt
bool NameAt(int $index, CkString outStr);
string nameAt(int index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the name of the member at zero-based position index. Use this with Size and TypeAt to iterate through an object's direct members.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Iterate Members
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NewArrayOf
bool NewArrayOf(string $path, string $jArr);
Introduced in version 11.4.0

Creates a JSON array at path and loads that array from the JSON text in jArr. The supplied text should represent a JSON array.

Difference from UpdateNewArray: UpdateNewArray creates an empty array. NewArrayOf creates the array and immediately populates it from JSON text.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Example: JsonObject.NewArrayOf method
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NewObjectOf
bool NewObjectOf(string $path, string $jObj);
Introduced in version 11.4.0

Creates a JSON object at path and loads that object from the JSON text in jObj. The supplied text should represent a JSON object.

Difference from UpdateNewObject: UpdateNewObject creates an empty object. NewObjectOf creates the object and immediately populates it from JSON text.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Example: JsonObject.NewObjectOf method
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ObjectAt
CkJsonObject ObjectAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the JSON object stored in the member at zero-based position index. The returned JsonObject references the existing child object in the same document; changes made through it modify that document.

Type requirement: The member at index must be a JSON object. Use TypeAt when the type is not already known.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
Create more Complex JSON Document
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ObjectAt2
bool ObjectAt2(int $index, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Updates jsonObj to reference the JSON object stored at zero-based member position index and returns true on success.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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ObjectOf
CkJsonObject ObjectOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the JSON object at jsonPath. The returned object is a live reference into the same JSON document, not a copy.

Relative paths: A path is evaluated relative to the current object. Use GetDocRoot when access must start from the document root.

Returns null on failure

More Information and Examples
JSON: Nested ObjectsJSON Paths
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ObjectOf2
bool ObjectOf2(string $jsonPath, CkJsonObject $jsonObj);
Introduced in version 11.0.0

Updates jsonObj to reference the JSON object at jsonPath and returns true on success.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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Predefine
bool Predefine(string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.67

Stores this JSON document in Chilkat's internal global collection of predefined JSON documents under name. If the name already exists, the predefined value is replaced.

Template use: After predefining a document, another JsonObject can load it by name with LoadPredefined.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Using Pre-defined JSON Templates
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Rename
bool Rename(string $oldName, string $newName);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Renames the direct member oldName to newName. The member value and its position are otherwise unchanged.

JSON interoperability: JSON object member names should be unique. Avoid renaming a member to a name already used by another member unless duplicate names are intentionally required.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Renaming and Deleting Members
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RenameAt
bool RenameAt(int $index, string $name);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Renames the member at zero-based position index to name. The member value is not changed.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Renaming and Deleting Members
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SetBoolAt
bool SetBoolAt(int $index, bool $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the member at zero-based position index to a JSON boolean value.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON Document
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SetBoolOf
bool SetBoolOf(string $jsonPath, bool $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the value at jsonPath to a JSON boolean value.

Set vs. Update: Use UpdateBool when missing objects or array positions along the path should be created automatically.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON DocumentJSON Paths
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SetIntAt
bool SetIntAt(int $index, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the member at zero-based position index to a JSON number value. The integer is emitted as a JSON number.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON Document
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SetIntOf
bool SetIntOf(string $jsonPath, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the value at jsonPath to an integer JSON number.

Set vs. Update: Use UpdateInt when missing objects or array positions along the path should be created automatically.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON DocumentJSON Paths
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SetNullAt
bool SetNullAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the member at zero-based position index to a JSON null value.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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SetNullOf
bool SetNullOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the value at jsonPath to a JSON null value.

Set vs. Update: Use UpdateNull when missing objects or array positions along the path should be created automatically.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON Paths
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SetNumberAt
bool SetNumberAt(int $index, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the member at zero-based position index to a JSON number value. The value argument is the exact textual representation of the JSON number.

JSON number syntax: The text may contain an integer, fraction, or exponent. It must be valid JSON number syntax; leading zeros (except for zero itself), NaN, and infinity are not valid JSON numbers.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous Operations
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SetNumberOf
bool SetNumberOf(string $jsonPath, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the value at jsonPath to a JSON number value. The value argument supplies the exact textual form of the JSON number.

Set vs. Update: Use UpdateNumber when missing objects or array positions along the path should be created automatically.
Precision: Using numeric text avoids an intermediate conversion through a floating-point type and can therefore preserve large integers or application-specific decimal formatting.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON Paths
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SetStringAt
bool SetStringAt(int $index, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the member at zero-based position index to a JSON string value. The string is escaped as required when JSON is emitted.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON Document
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SetStringOf
bool SetStringOf(string $jsonPath, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Sets the value at jsonPath to a JSON string value. The string is escaped as required when JSON is emitted.

Set vs. Update: Use UpdateString when missing objects or array positions along the path should be created automatically.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Modify Parts of JSON DocumentJSON Paths
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SizeOfArray
int SizeOfArray(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the number of elements in the JSON array at jsonPath. Returns -1 if the path does not resolve to an existing JSON array.

More Information and Examples
JSON Paths
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Sort
void Sort(bool $ascending, bool $caseSensitive);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.100

Sorts this object's direct members by member name. ascending selects ascending or descending order, and caseSensitive controls how names are compared.

JSON semantics: Member ordering is not significant to JSON consumers, but sorting can make emitted JSON deterministic and easier to compare or review.
More Information and Examples
Sort JSON Object by Member Key Name
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StringAt
bool StringAt(int $index, CkString outStr);
string stringAt(int index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the string value of the member at zero-based position index.

Indexing: Member indexes are based on the order maintained by this JsonObject instance. JSON objects are semantically unordered, so application protocols should normally identify values by member name rather than by position.
Non-string values: StringOf can also provide textual representations of scalar JSON values such as numbers, booleans, and null; use the type-specific methods when the JSON type itself matters.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Iterate Members
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StringOf
bool StringOf(string $jsonPath, CkString outStr);
string stringOf(string jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.56

Returns the value at jsonPath as text. For a JSON string, the string value is returned. Scalar non-string values such as numbers, booleans, and null are returned using their JSON textual representation.

Type-sensitive code: Use JsonTypeOf, IntOf, BoolOf, or IsNullOf when the distinction between JSON types is important.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON: Miscellaneous OperationsJSON PathsJSON Paths that need Double QuotesUsing JSON StringOf with Non-String Members
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StringOfEquals
bool StringOfEquals(string $jsonPath, string $value, bool $caseSensitive);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.96

Returns true if the textual value at jsonPath equals value according to the caseSensitive setting; otherwise returns false.

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StringOfSb
bool StringOfSb(string $jsonPath, CkStringBuilder $sb);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.68

Retrieves the value at jsonPath as text and appends it to sb.

Append behavior: Existing contents of the destination StringBuilder are preserved.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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Swap
bool Swap(int $index1, int $index2);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.76

Swaps the positions of the direct members at zero-based indexes index1 and index2. Member names and values are unchanged.

Ordering: JSON object order is not semantically significant, but Chilkat preserves an order for index-based access and emission.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Swap JSON Objects
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TypeAt
int TypeAt(int $index);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.58

Returns an integer identifying the JSON type of the member at zero-based position index. Returns -1 if no member exists at that index.

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UIntOf
int UIntOf(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.96

Returns the unsigned integer value at jsonPath.

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UpdateBd
bool UpdateBd(string $jsonPath, string $encoding, CkBinData $bd);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.68

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON string value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The bytes in bd are first encoded according to encoding (for example, base64 or hex) and the encoded text is stored as the JSON string value.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.
Binary data in JSON: JSON has no native byte-array type. Binary content must therefore be represented using a textual encoding agreed upon by the producer and consumer.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
Read/Write JSON with Binary Data such as JPEG Files
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UpdateBool
bool UpdateBool(string $jsonPath, bool $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.63

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON boolean value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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UpdateInt
bool UpdateInt(string $jsonPath, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.63

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON number value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The integer value is stored as a JSON number.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON UpdateNumber vs UpdateInt
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UpdateNewArray
bool UpdateNewArray(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.75

Creates or replaces the value at jsonPath with a new empty JSON array. Missing path components are created automatically as needed.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Insert Empty Array or Object
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UpdateNewObject
bool UpdateNewObject(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.75

Creates or replaces the value at jsonPath with a new empty JSON object. Missing path components are created automatically as needed.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON Insert Empty Array or Object
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UpdateNull
bool UpdateNull(string $jsonPath);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.65

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON null value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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UpdateNumber
bool UpdateNumber(string $jsonPath, string $numericStr);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.65

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON number value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The numericStr argument is stored as the exact textual representation of the JSON number.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.
When to use: Use UpdateNumber instead of UpdateInt for decimal/exponent forms, very large integers, or when preserving exact numeric text is important.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON UpdateNumber vs UpdateInt
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UpdateSb
bool UpdateSb(string $jsonPath, CkStringBuilder $sb);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.68

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON string value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The new string value is taken from the contents of sb.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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UpdateString
bool UpdateString(string $jsonPath, string $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.63

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON string value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The supplied string is JSON-escaped as needed.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.
Version note: Chilkat versions prior to 9.5.0.68 did not correctly escape all characters for this method. Version 9.5.0.68 and later correct that behavior.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

More Information and Examples
JSON UpdateString
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UpdateUInt
bool UpdateUInt(string $jsonPath, int $value);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.96

Updates the value at jsonPath to a JSON number value, or creates the member and any missing path components as needed. The unsigned integer is stored as a JSON number.

Path-based operation: jsonPath is interpreted using DelimiterChar, PathPrefix, and the I/J/K index substitutions.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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WriteFile
bool WriteFile(string $path);
Introduced in version 9.5.0.76

Serializes this JSON and writes it to the file at path. Output formatting follows EmitCompact and EmitCrLf.

Returns true for success, false for failure.

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Deprecated

Clone
CkJsonObject Clone();
Introduced in version 9.5.0.66
This method is deprecated and replaced by MakeCopy

Deprecated. Use MakeCopy instead. Returns an independent copy of this JSON object.

Returns null on failure

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